Meaning & use
rational inquiry
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Meanings
noununcountableformal
A method of seeking knowledge through logical reasoning, evidence, and open questioning rather than emotion or authority.
Grammar: Uncountable; often used with 'the' or in phrases like 'a process of rational inquiry'.
Patterns
- engage in rational inquiry
- a process of rational inquiry
- rational inquiry into something
The scientific method is a form of rational inquiry.
The course encourages students to engage in rational inquiry about ethical issues.
Rational inquiry requires us to question our own assumptions.
nouncountableformal
A formal investigation or examination that follows logical and systematic procedures.
Grammar: Countable; can be used with 'a' or 'an' when referring to a specific instance.
Patterns
- conduct a rational inquiry
- call for a rational inquiry
- an independent rational inquiry
The committee conducted a rational inquiry into the causes of the accident.
They demanded a rational inquiry, free from political interference.
A rational inquiry into the evidence led to a surprising conclusion.
Common combinations
- engage in rational inquiry
- Philosophers engage in rational inquiry to explore fundamental questions.
- a process of rational inquiry
- Learning to think critically is part of a process of rational inquiry.
- rational inquiry into
- The book is a rational inquiry into the nature of consciousness.
Synonyms and how they differ
- critical thinking
- A broader skill set that includes rational inquiry; 'rational inquiry' often implies a formal, systematic investigation.
- logical reasoning
- Focuses on the logical steps themselves, while 'rational inquiry' includes the whole process of asking and answering questions.
Opposites
Word family
- rational adjective
- Based on reason or logic.
- inquiry noun
- The act of asking for information or investigating.
- rationality noun
- The quality of being based on reason.
Commonly confused: rational inquiry or rationale?
rational inquiry vs rationale
'Rationale' is a noun meaning the reasons or logic behind something. 'Rational inquiry' is the process of investigating using reason.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'rational inquiry' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The usual preposition after 'inquiry' is 'into'. 'Inquiry of' is used for asking someone a question, not for investigating a topic. 'Inquiry about' is possible but less formal; 'inquiry for' is not used in this sense.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “rational inquiry”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.